Navigating market transformation through New England's minefield of deregulation

Conference · Wed Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1998

OSTI ID:20001757

Albert, S

Massachusetts is now six months into its first year of implementing a number of regional market transformation initiatives in a restructured electric utility industry environment. Recently, the future of utility-subsidized energy efficiency programs has been one of many issues addressed by key parties to the ongoing industry restructuring debates. Straight from the front-lines of the scarred Massachusetts deregulation battlegrounds, this paper provides a retrospective on Boston Edison Company's efforts to design and deliver some innovative new energy efficiency initiatives. Although veteran readers may be able to relate and share war stories, it is hoped that this paper will provide a small glimpse of the future to new recruits so that they are better prepared to recognize and navigate their energy efficiency program soldiers through the restructuring landmines laid before them. This paper first provides a short introduction to set the stage regarding the evolving situation on various fronts (i.e. the status of industry restructuring in Massachusetts, potential directions for energy efficiency, key parties engaged in the debate). Readers will then be guided through some major issues encountered and how they were addressed to procure regional support and regulatory approval (i.e. market transformation definitions, collaboration, exit strategies, etc.). A sampling of some innovative and regional energy efficiency initiatives follows along with discussion of their market barriers, evaluation metrics, delivery mechanisms, and any unique administrative approaches. Finally, the paper ends with some thoughts on what worked, what didn't, and how things could have been done better or differently.

• Research Organization: Boston Edison Co., MA (US)
• OSTI ID: 20001757
• Report Number(s): CONF-980815--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
DEREGULATION
ELECTRIC POWER INDUSTRY
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
FINANCING
MARKET
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT